An Educated Non-Jew's Take on Israel

An eloquent letter written by a non-Jewish Scottish professor to his students who voted to boycott Israel.

The Edinburgh Student’s Association made a motion to boycott all things Israeli since they claim Israel is under an apartheid regime. Dr. Denis Maceoin is an expert in Middle Eastern affairs. Here is his letter to those students.

Received by e-mail from the author, Dr. Denis MacEoin, a senior editor of the Middle East Quarterly,

TO: The Committee Edinburgh University Student Association.

May I be permitted to say a few words to members of the EUSA? I am an Edinburgh graduate (MA 1975) who studied Persian, Arabic and Islamic History in Buccleuch Place under William Montgomery Watt and Laurence Elwell Sutton, two of Britain's great Middle East experts in their day.

I later went on to do a PhD at Cambridge and to teach Arabic and Islamic Studies at Newcastle University. Naturally, I am the author of several books and hundreds of articles in this field. I say all that to show that I am well informed in Middle Eastern affairs and that, for that reason, I am shocked and disheartened by the EUSA motion and vote.

I am shocked for a simple reason: there is not and has never been a system of apartheid in Israel. That is not my opinion, that is fact that can be tested against reality by any Edinburgh student, should he or she choose to visit Israel to see for themselves. Let me spell this out, since I have the impression that those members of EUSA who voted for this motion are absolutely clueless in matters concerning Israel, and that they are, in all likelihood, the victims of extremely biased propaganda coming from the anti-Israel lobby.

Being anti-Israel is not in itself objectionable. But I’m not talking about ordinary criticism of Israel. I’m speaking of a hatred that permits itself no boundaries in the lies and myths it pours out. Thus, Israel is repeatedly referred to as a “Nazi” state. In what sense is this true, even as a metaphor? Where are the Israeli concentration camps? The einzatsgruppen? The SS? The Nuremberg Laws? The Final Solution? None of these things nor anything remotely resembling them exists in Israel, precisely because the Jews, more than anyone on earth, understand what Nazism stood for.

Calling Jews Nazis is as basic a way to subvert historical fact as anything I can think of.

It is claimed that there has been an Israeli Holocaust in Gaza (or elsewhere). Where? When? No honest historian would treat that claim with anything but the contempt it deserves. But calling Jews Nazis and saying they have committed a Holocaust is as basic a way to subvert historical fact as anything I can think of.

Likewise apartheid. For apartheid to exist, there would have to be a situation that closely resembled how things were in South Africa under the apartheid regime. Unfortunately for those who believe this, a weekend in any part of Israel would be enough to show how ridiculous the claim is.

That a body of university students actually fell for this and voted on it is a sad comment on the state of modern education. The most obvious focus for apartheid would be the country’s 20% Arab population. Under Israeli law, Arab Israelis have exactly the same rights as Jews or anyone else; Muslims have the same rights as Jews or Christians; Baha’is, severely persecuted in Iran, flourish in Israel, where they have their world center; Ahmadi Muslims, severely persecuted in Pakistan and elsewhere, are kept safe by Israel; the holy places of all religions are protected under a specific Israeli law. Arabs form 20% of the university population (an exact echo of their percentage in the general population).

In Iran, the Bahai’s (the largest religious minority) are forbidden to study in any university or to run their own universities: why aren’t your members boycotting Iran? Arabs in Israel can go anywhere they want, unlike blacks in apartheid South Africa. They use public transport, they eat in restaurants, they go to swimming pools, they use libraries, they go to cinemas alongside Jews – something no blacks were able to do in South Africa.

Israeli hospitals not only treat Jews and Arabs, they also treat Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank. On the same wards, in the same operating theaters.

In Israel, women have the same rights as men: there is no gender apartheid. Gay men and women face no restrictions, and Palestinian gays often escape into Israel, knowing they may be killed at home.

University is supposed to be about learning to use your brain, to think rationally, to examine evidence, to reach conclusions based on solid evidence, to compare sources, to weigh up one view against one or more others. If the best Edinburgh can now produce are students who have no idea how to do any of these things, then the future is bleak.

I do not object to well-documented criticism of Israel. I do object when supposedly intelligent people single the Jewish state out above states that are horrific in their treatment of their populations. We are going through the biggest upheaval in the Middle East since the 7th and 8th centuries, and it’s clear that Arabs and Iranians are rebelling against terrifying regimes that fight back by killing their own citizens.

You have a chance to avert a very great evil, simply by using reason and a sense of fair play.

Israeli citizens, Jews and Arabs alike, do not rebel (though they are free to protest). Yet Edinburgh students mount no demonstrations and call for no boycotts against Libya, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Iran . They prefer to make false accusations against one of the world’s freest countries, the only country in the Middle East that has taken in Darfur refugees, the only country in the Middle East that gives refuge to gay men and women, the only country in the Middle East that protects the Bahai’s…. Need I go on?

The imbalance is perceptible, and it sheds no credit on anyone who voted for this boycott. I ask you to show some common sense. Get information from the Israeli embassy. Ask for some speakers. Listen to more than one side. Do not make your minds up until you have given a fair hearing to both parties. You have a duty to your students, and that is to protect them from one-sided argument.

They are not at university to be propagandized. And they are certainly not there to be tricked into anti-Semitism by punishing one country among all the countries of the world, which happens to be the only Jewish state. If there had been a single Jewish state in the 1930′s (which, sadly, there was not), don’t you think Adolf Hitler would have decided to boycott it?

Your generation has a duty to ensure that the perennial racism of anti-Semitism never sets down roots among you. Today, however, there are clear signs that it has done so and is putting down more. You have a chance to avert a very great evil, simply by using reason and a sense of fair play. Please tell me that this makes sense. I have given you some of the evidence. It’s up to you to find out more.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Denis M. MacEoin (born 1949, Belfast, Northern Ireland) has been editor of Middle East Quarterly since June 2009. A former lecturer in Islamic studies, his academic specializations are Shi‘ism, Shaykhism, Bábism, and the Bahá'í Faith, on all of which he has written extensively. MacEoin is also a novelist, writing under the pen names Daniel Easterman and Jonathan Aycliffe. He and his wife live in Newcastle upon Tyne in northern England.

Visitor Comments: 80

(73)
Tim,
December 9, 2014 4:26 AM

A Distorted Take At Best.

The letter comes off as an apologist for the state of Israel. One irrefutable fact remains. Palestinians have been dispossessed of their lands and homes. They have not been allowed to return thus became refugees. Those who support the state of Israel are abetting theft of land and property. Ask President Jimmy Carter if that is true.

Anonymous,
December 11, 2014 8:04 AM

Sources, please.

Here we've read an article by a scholar on the matter, and he states,"Being anti-Israel is not in itself objectionable. But I’m not talking about ordinary criticism of Israel. I’m speaking of a hatred that permits itself no boundaries in the lies and myths it pours out. Thus, Israel is repeatedly referred to as a “Nazi” state. In what sense is this true, even as a metaphor?"

So, what are your sources for your claim?

Here is a source that refutes your claim: https://www.swuconnect.com/insys/npoflow.v.2/_assets/pdfs/fact_sheets/Palestinian%20Refugees%20factsheet.pdf(At the end of the article, it lists up to 10 citations.) In summary, "In 1947, the United Nations proposed partitioning the British Mandate into a Jewish state alongside an Arabstate. Jewish leaders accepted, but Arab leaders said no and launched a war to destroy the Jewish state. Thewar created 472,000 to 750,000 Palestinian Arab refugees and over 850,000 Jewish refugees from Arabstates.1 Today, the UN claims there are 4.8 million Palestinian refugees living in the West Bank, Gaza, Syria,Lebanon, and Jordan.“The Arab armies entered Palestine to protect the Palestinians…but instead they abandoned them,forced them to emigrate… and threw them into prisons.”—PA President Mahmoud Abbas, 1976."

Mitchel,
February 5, 2015 11:00 PM

Have Palestinians have been dispossessed of their lands and homes

not really accurate. The vast majority left on their own following the insistence of Arab governments attacking Israel in 1948 and in 67. Those governments should have absorbed them after they waged war against Israel. They didn't. The better example of what you are talking about actually happened TO THE JEWS OF ARAB LANDS!

(72)
Grace Valerio,
October 29, 2014 9:57 PM

It is sad to know that an association of intelligent people like the Edinburgh Student Association would stand for something they have not done due diligent studies. One would expect a better judgment from educated people. I thank and admire Dr. MacEoin for speaking out the truth. In this day and age very few people care. More power to you!

(71)
Anonymous,
October 10, 2014 10:16 AM

Avoiding the actual issue

An eloquent arguement. Yet the distinguished writer never addresses Israel's actions towards those non-Jews living in the West Bank and Gaza. Why deflect attention away from those actions by the Israeli government and write hundreds of words about the word "apartheid?" Why not directly address the rectitude of Israeli government actions towards non-Jews living in Gaza and the West Bank? You've made an eloquent arguement, Mr. MacEoin. Perhaps somewhere else you will address the actual issue.

(70)
Sherrie,
September 30, 2014 11:41 PM

Response to Dr. MacEoin

AMEN!

(69)
Jonathan Lesser,
January 16, 2014 5:36 PM

So few academeics...

I also wish to thank the writer of this revealing article on what really is going on in Israel. And I'd like to remind all that a panel of judges led by an Arab Israeli sent an ex-president of Israel to jail. Apartheid? Oh yes, if you can imagine a black judge sending a white man to prison in South Africa of the 60s.I am deeply saddened, as is Dr. Maceoin, by this strange distortion of facts and am so gratified by this beacon of light in the dark foggy clouds of ignorance now dominating British Academia.

(68)
Frank,
January 5, 2014 2:09 PM

So many thanks

Dear Dr MacEoin. I have just come across your work. I am English but am a parent and grandparent of Israelis, and therefore am a regular visitor to that country. I know that this status renders negates my opinions, in the same way that your pro-Israel views ensure that your writings are to be ignored and despised by the movers and shakers of the UNHRC, the Co-op, certain senior scientists and student bodies etc. I, and people like me, are and always will be eternally grateful to you for your work. For me, you have alleviated a deeply held sense of despair, and I am sure that I am not alone.I wish that I could meet you personally so as to express my deep gratitude, and I would hugely enjoy the opportunity to show you some world leading voluntary social programs -- in Israel of course.So many thanks -Respectfully Yours, Frank

(67)
Maurie Rosenberg,
August 26, 2013 8:14 PM

L'chaim!

I will read this message at my next Shabbos table with a heartfelt L'chaim! on a single malt Scotch whisky using our unique tribute and toast "to life" in honor of the author. May he enjoy good health, share long life and continue to be a beacon of light, truth and love in an educational system that chosen to surrender to much darkness, falsehood and hate in favoring an opposition ideology that rather celebrates brutality, deception and death.

To life, (or rather since the word L'chaim is plural) to lives!. May we someday celebrate a world peace and of brotherhood together.

(66)
Zamira Rajchgod,
May 22, 2013 2:40 PM

Dr. MacEoin - Thank you for your artiicle

Dr. MacEoin: Thank you SO MUCH for your article. It's wonderful for us Israelis to read such praise from a Non-Jew and an educated academic. So many of your PhD's are on the "other side" when it comes to Israel bashing. You have so much information & we thank for getting it out to those poor unlearned young people who follow the crowd and do NOT take the time to look for the truth. Bless you!

(65)
Andrea,
May 21, 2013 5:15 PM

A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

This letter should be sent to every university and college political group in the U.S.A. - for starters.

(64)
William Smith,
November 16, 2012 5:33 AM

American Education

I am on the downhill slope to forty and find myself back in college again. With layoffs aplenty and no jobs available, I cashed out my 401k. and risked it on a new set of job skills. I am purely amazed at how much things have changed in just 15 years. College is not about rational debate and the free exchange of ideas now. It's about identifying what victim group you belong to and what you can do to get political power to get stuff. It kind of reminds me of the political re-education camps that some of the other countries in history offered. The worst part is the atrocious math skills and the abysmal writing and reading ability. I honestly believe America's best days are behind it. It can't survive its own largesse. As I told a recent Jewish convert friend of mine, after he made aliyah and decided he wants to move to Israel, develop a skill that the Israelis need and go serve them. I might be joining you shortly.

(63)
susan feher,
November 30, 2011 3:40 AM

Very well expressed thoughts. Should be circulated in all higher learning institutions worldwide.

(62)
Anonymous,
October 23, 2011 3:09 AM

This is very educative. Thanks

The world needs more of this type of education.

(61)
Ilaan Borovitch,
October 23, 2011 12:04 AM

It's a great article, although I'm curious as to what specific criticism Dr, MacEoin has of Israel. My skepticism of all those who hold OPINIONS on Israel run deep. But what I'm more curious about is what effect the article had on the EUSA??

(60)
Bob Ritter,
October 22, 2011 3:35 PM

thank you

Thank you for providing the facts, words and perfect expression to the unfair comparisons being made between Israel and apartheid. We've come to expect anti-Semitic propaganda out of the likes of Iran, but it is frustrating and frightening when the populace accepts it as fact. One can draw very disturbing parallels to the boycott vote. Silence must be broken, but it is rarely done as well as you have. Thank you!

(59)
Doreen,
October 22, 2011 3:24 PM

Well said Dr. MacEoin

It is good when a non Jew (like myself) take the time out to state the facts clearly and honestly when it affects the Jews. All through the years the Jews have suffered anti semetism of every possible stripe and guess what, they have survived and will continue to survive. Kudos to you Dr. MacEoin for your openness and honesty in writing this letter and thanks to Aish for making it available.

(58)
Herbert Malamud,
October 21, 2011 4:18 AM

The logic of the articule

Send it to Carter and also de United Nations and European Union, so they can tell their people in the Security Counsel of UN

(57)
susannah garbutt,
October 21, 2011 1:00 AM

should not have named our ABC

Dear Administrator
I realise that I should not have named our ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corp) in my earlier comment. I did see one reporter in Israel who was reporting on the release of Gilad Shalit, and the horrific crimes perpetrated on the Israeli people by the prisoners who were going to be released soon. This was the first I have seen for some time on what Hamas has been doing to Israeli citizens. Am glad it got out. My apologies for naming people Yours sincerely Susannah Garbutt

(56)
susannah garbutt,
October 21, 2011 12:32 AM

thank God someone can see what is happening(in non Jewish world)

It has been politically incorrect NOT to be pro Palestinian for about 20 years now, in Australia. The media is openly biased, eg they reported when Israel killed eight Egyptian soldiers, but failed to mention that the Egyptians has killed five Israelis (only found this out some months later when the relevant sentence was included in another program). This is on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's programs, and most (but not all of us) believe that our ABC is the most reliable and accurate media form in the country. It has long mystified me why people single out Israel when it is surrounded by dictatorships and brutal regimes etc. One of our top Greens senators also singled out Israel. As this article points out, it is just another form of anti Semitism. You have to stand back and think rationally about any situation, but a lot of people don't seem interested in the truth. It is easier to believe what you are told. They don't realise that what we are told has first passed through editors and the media 'police' so what we hear and watch has come through other peoples' brains and reflects the 'wisdom' (bias) of the day. Good news does not sell. Neither, it seems, does the truth and rationality. Thank goodness this letter has been written. Shalom

(55)
Glenn Harris,
October 19, 2011 4:05 PM

Too much to hope?

Masterfully put! Thank you for having the courage and decency to confront this. But I have to wonder whether it is too much to hope that this will have its desired effect. I have confronted anti-Semitism, and it is seldom reasonable.

(54)
Jack Gold,
October 19, 2011 8:28 AM

At last...a breath of fresh air

So eloquently put and so necessary to counter anti-Israeli propaganda. Which other country on earth has three Sabbaths, one for each of the major religions. I am not suggesting expanding the borders of Israel still further, don't get me wrong, but the surrounding Arab states could do worse than importing Israel's egalitarian and tolerant culture.

(53)
lt,
October 18, 2011 11:15 PM

kudos!

One could not speak more factually or sincerely about the pursuit of justice and education. Thank you.

(52)
Anonymous,
October 18, 2011 6:19 PM

Thank you for telling the truth. G-d bless you & yours

(51)
Chana,
October 18, 2011 4:20 PM

Very well said

One of the most articulate and accurate letters I have ever read on the topic.

(50)
Otillia de Andrade,
October 18, 2011 12:24 AM

Unusual Lucid Common Sense

This is a well written defense of the Truth, the Factual truth, by a non-Jew. It should be required reading for media representatives, as well as University Instructors everywhere.
It is distressingly sad, that this kind basic honesty lacking in our world, is rarely practiced where it is most needed - in countries and regimes where people and especially minorities, are face unspeakable oppression and tortuous dying.
Only where Truth prevails, can justice be done.

(49)
howard yagerman,
October 17, 2011 9:18 PM

Racism is Zionism?

I could not improve on this article.My recommendation,however is to send it to Jimmy Carter.

(48)
Matt,
October 17, 2011 4:14 PM

Apathy wins

Non-Sottish student activists dominate the apathetic Edinburgh students who have no time for the Student Association.

(47)
Anonymous,
October 17, 2011 3:09 PM

A fantastic article

This is one of the best articles I have ever read regarding Israel and the Middle East situation.........Israel the only Democratic Country in the Middle East treats all Nationalities with dignity and it is confirmed in this article....Very well written with honesty and true facts .

(46)
ian senior,
October 17, 2011 2:53 PM

well said

This is an excellent article. I have said on many occasions, in Aish, that Israel has to concentrate more upon image, especially after the Gaza incursion a couple of years ago. The media made Israel look bad. Such in turn breeds anti semetism against Jews, even the ones who do not even know about Israel. Clearly Israel is the most democraticstate in the mid-east, on an equal footing with Turkey, or possibly better.So people who single out Israel for abuse of people are rediculous as there are for worst atrocities commited by more than 50 percent of the rulers of other mid east states. Mr MacEion has ballanced the perspective very well. Concentration will now have to focus upon the comparitives rather than the absolutes.

(45)
Yael,
October 17, 2011 2:38 PM

Thank you for your courage

Thank you Dr. Mac Eoin. Knowledge is the truest weapon against hatred. Your honesty and your courage to speak out against the majority are rare and exceptional.

(44)
Anonymous,
October 17, 2011 2:05 PM

Wow - Thanks

All I can say it "wow!" Thank you to Denis MacEoin.

(43)
Andrea Moriah,
October 17, 2011 1:51 PM

Israel Boycott

Unfortunately, anti-Semitism has returned full-force in the world. This time it's "Jewish nationalism"; last time it was "Jewish internationalism"; this time it is "fascism"; last time it was "communism"; this time it's because we're "dominant on Wall Street"; last time it was because we were "union organizers". Hateful people don't need an excuse or facts. They just need the hatemongers to reel them in and use them for their own malicious ends. My only response is "fight them!" everywhere, in the media, in educational institutions, where ever they raise their ugly heads. And keep Israel strong. At this point in time, our strength as a nation is the only thing between us and the next annihilation.

(42)
Ben,
October 17, 2011 1:50 PM

Well said

Thanks to Denis MacEoin for some well-written and rational thoughts concerning Israel. His challenge to his university students is applicable to all students of universities everywhere. I have encountered anti-Israel propaganda on the campuses of many colleges and universities here in the United States. It cannot go unchecked or unchallenged. It appears that the anti-Israel lobby needs no actual evidence to support wild claims and accusations against Israel. Those who support these efforts are not just blindly anti-Israel, but succumb to an ideology that is also anti-educational. I have been to Israel a number of times and have seen first hand what an amazing country it is. The claims of such organizations attempting to label the nation and people of Israel as apartheid, nazi, or worse are false and should be labeled as false by those who seek truth and love education.

(41)
Anonymous,
October 17, 2011 1:37 PM

Fantstic Letter

Although I am not Jewish, I have had the privilege of visiting Israel twice and agree it is such a free country & has contributed to so much that we take for granted in terms of intellectual knowledge that has translated into everyday necessities for many nations. It is about time people knew the truth & not be deceived into believing such lies and to continue to perpetrate untruths against a Nation that our maker has set apart.. The Letter is excellent such an encouragement that there are still decent, articulate men & women standing for truth.

(40)
T. Leviticus,
October 17, 2011 8:31 AM

You have neglected to indicate Israeli Arabs' representation in the Israeli government.

(39)
Michael fisher,
October 17, 2011 8:01 AM

the shame is that more non-Jews do not speak out

I hope that all (even some or one member of the council) reads this article and takes the time to test its assertions against the assertions they used to base the correctness of their boycott.
and the real hope is that the one or many of the enlightened members of council is brave enough to propose that the council withdraw the boycott.

(38)
Sojourner Truth,
October 17, 2011 3:33 AM

The Light of Reason

BRAVO!!! Brilliant speaker for sanity to those ignorant anti-Israel attackers who want to boycott the only democracy in the Middle East. Expressed with actual facts by this non-Jewish Middle East authority. These ignorant Scotch students should go to Israel and see how 100% wrong the anti- Israel propaganda is that they have been fed.

(37)
Joe Ezekiel,
October 17, 2011 3:30 AM

Tools of falsehood.

Of all the various variations of spreading falsehood, religion stands well above all others. Jews have been maligned by both Muslims and Christians. The latter do have many sane thinking honest evaluators of the so-called Israeli-Palestinian problem. Unfortunately, among the Muslims, very few honest analysts exist. A geo-politically expansionist idealogy, posing as a religion called Islam is the core of international Israel bashing.
Being the fewest in numbers, Jews attract anti-semitism
from interantional bullys now spearheaded by Muslim countries. Once they acheive their unholy goal, rest assured the rest of the free world would be actively in their sights. Already, through simple population relocation, Muslims are increasingly dominating Europe.
Soon, with their ever increasing populations, weather by breeding or mass immigration, Muslims will outnumber the native European populations. And long before that, Sharia will be the common law.

(36)
Marc Mansour,
October 17, 2011 1:00 AM

More muslims than those of Darfur endanger their lives just to get to Israel.

Not only migration from Darfur, but from just about every country in Africa with massive slaughter and civil wars, from Somalia to the Sudan, African Muslims manage to penetrate the porous southern border of Egypt, cross to the Sinai, pay exhorbitant amounts, and suffer tremenduous hardship in the hand of the Bedouins, who exployt them, while helping to escape to Israel. The reason people put themselves in such endangerement, is even if they end up in prison in Israel, as illegal imigants, their lot is better off than among their Muslim brethren anywhere in Africa.
Marc Mansour

(35)
Kenneth J. Hodgson,
October 16, 2011 9:42 PM

I'm right behind this letter.

I have seen this article elsewhere and have kept a record of the same to pass on to friends. What a brilliant defense it makes for the State of Israel. As a Christian I am fully with you Israel !

(34)
Shmuel Okwei-Nortey,
October 16, 2011 9:34 PM

Fantastic, what a refreshing, factual analysis of life in Israel.

Elohim emet! As someone who has visited Israel more than ten times, I am glad to read some truth about the nation that has opened one eyes to know how Elohim deals with people. Without Israel, there would be no meaning to our life, time spans etc. May Elohim bless all those who bless Eret Israel.

(33)
fruchter m,
October 16, 2011 9:31 PM

reading that excellent letter raises the hope that truth and common sense will prevail upon hatered and bigotery.thank you.

(32)
Cleo,
October 16, 2011 6:12 PM

This article needs to be in every high school and university .

This article speaks TRUTH! I am a Christian who has spent many months in Israel and I KNOW this to be TRUTH!

(31)
Phillip Miller,
October 16, 2011 6:03 PM

Fight Back!

If you have children, grandchildren, friends who are attending a college, I would suggest you send them this e-mail and suggest to them that they try get it published in their college newspaper.
I have always maintained that news about Israel, put out by certain unscrupulous Media, has brainwashed many students and the general public as well. It would be nice if the NYT would publish these comments.
Today on many college campuses there is an all out pro Arab student war to demonize Israel.
The Israeli government has to be more pro active, set aside a budget, and use comments like this to continually and actively Fight Back the lies that are being propagated.
The Arab propaganda machine is continuous and I'm sure very well funded.

(30)
Dr. Michael Zidonov,
October 16, 2011 5:27 PM

No Big Surprise ...

Israel Detractor and other Enemies MUST use Lies, everywhere they can, because there is No Truth anywhere, to support their assertions and damnable activities ... It has always been that way, and apparently, is going to remain that way unless we stand up and DO what needs done .......

(29)
Fermin Guzman,
October 16, 2011 4:43 PM

What a lecture! thank you soo much, hope my lord bless always the author of this amazing information. I wish that respectfull Desmond Tutu take a few minutes to read this article, becouse once he said that in Israel there is apartheid; I think this is a great opportunity for him to get some knoledge. Thanks once again!

(28)
Anne,
October 16, 2011 3:28 PM

for Denis MacEoin

Excellent article but a few questions. I am a Jew but have never been to Israel, my husband is a Holocaust survivor.We are both elderly.We watch the newsas Israeli soldiers smash homes of Palestinians in retaliation. If innocent this is not humane. The Israeli's occupy Palestinian area's, building new settltments. Surrounded with huge walls. Many cannot get to work or live in peace is certainly not a free people.I want ISRAEL as a homeland for all Jews.I support ISRAEL. Help me to understand!

Anonymous,
October 31, 2011 6:35 AM

There is so much you can do to understand

Anne - you are seeing exactly what the media wants you to, don't you see? I live in Israel - I dont' know it "from the news". Everything is exactly as the professor said - and more. Jews and Arabs are treated exactly alike. I recently had a baby in the hospital and spent the few days with other Arab mothers recuperating just like me. Same service to all of us, same treatment - the nurses were kind to all. (I won't even bother mentioning that for a Jewess to give birth in an ARAB hospital would be suicidal - isn't it sad how we have to argue FACTS? We have to argue about Arabs being treated WITH A SMILE AND EQUAL TREATMENT at our hospitals - when no Arab hospital will ever dream of offering a Jew any sort of help - a Jew stepping into any Arab country, or any Arab town in Israel - will be lynched as the mob raises their hands covered in blood to cheer!! Hello??? Where is the world??????) What you are seeing is Israel's 'punishment' of TERRORISTS!! Of COURSE we put walls - Israel is not nearly as restrictive as it should be with regards to our killers. If you knew someone was coming with a bomb to blow YOU and your children up - wouldnt' you lock the door?? EVEN if the murderer really, really wants to get in?? And "smashing" homes - what a poor punishment for murderers - don't you think? Which sane country would retaliate for murder by breaking only the home?! There are so many facts - the problem isnt' getting the facts - it's WANTING to. If you truly want to learn about Israel and if you truly want to understand - go to www.HonestReporting.com. Read the articles here on Aish. READ unbiased media - get your facts and you'll have no questions anymore. It isn't a matter of opinions here or there - for anyone really interested in the truth, all they need to do is get the basic facts, and then, as the professor said, do their thinking for themselves... it isn't hard. It just means being educated and not allowing yourself to be fed only by anti-Israel media.

(27)
RUTH,
October 16, 2011 3:13 PM

WHAT A WELL WRITTEN ARGUMENT. WELL DONE! WE NEED MORE TRUE ARTICLES OF THIS KIND, TO PROTECT ISRAEL, THE ONLY JEWISH STATE ON THIS PLANET! LET PROFESSORS AND EDUCATED (CAMBRIDGE / OXFORD, ETC.) MEN / WOMEN ALIKE TO TEACH THEIR STUDENTS A NON-BIAS ARGUMENTS AND DEBATES, BUT, ABOVE ALL THE TRUTH OF ANY ARGUMENT.

(26)
Anonymous,
October 16, 2011 3:08 PM

Tools of knowledge, tools of deception

It is troubling that even as we have grown exponentially in the information technology and the sciences, we have not grown fast enough to catch up with making ourselves better informed. The pitfall of taking in a blatantly selective and prejudiced presentation of otherwise unverified and unproven accusations against a nation or its people as a basis of judgement, just do not sit well for any university that is supposed to expand and liberate the minds of its students from the curse of ignorance. On the other hand it is encouraging that the same tools (IT) are used by students and young people around the world to organize and effectively challenge systems in their societies that are working against the common good or the greater good. If truth is of premium value to anyone, we certainly have the resources to get the facts right.

(25)
Judith Herzog,
October 16, 2011 2:13 PM

Thank you Dr. Denis Mac Eoin

Thank you, Sir, for recognizing the truth about Israel and the world-wide anti-semitism which now threatens not only Jews but all who are not Muslim terrorists. It is amazing to me that the world has not learned from the Holocaust that,once the Jews are dead, these terrorists will go after ALL others who are not like them! Please speak out...more!

(24)
ruth housman,
October 16, 2011 1:06 PM

Truth From Lies

I hope these students listen, and hear what their Professor is saying, because it's really shocking that students would do this, and it is beyond a form of ignorance, because it is cruel, to take what is truly beautiful about the Israelis, and how they treat other religious groups, and then make egregious comparisons to the Nazis and a time of infamy in history whose lessons, clearly, remain unlearned.

(23)
James Hastings,
October 16, 2011 12:58 PM

Friends are hard to come by....

Excellent. It is unfortunate, Israel is the easy target for our.... "open minded, liberal pundits". Everybody has rights but Israel. Full scottish, in america since the 1760's, will always be a devoted FRIEND of Israel.

(22)
Ingrid,
October 16, 2011 12:51 PM

Boycotting Israel...

Bravo to Dr.Denis MacEoin for stating the facts so clearly that they can not be misunderstood. The Jewish people have been scape goats for Centuries. Thank you for that wonderful letter to your students. It is sad that antisemitism is once again on the rise.

(21)
Trevor,
October 16, 2011 11:40 AM

Well stated, professor. Well done Aish.com, you have managed to express truth that the mainstream media will not publish or express to the general public. I hope the students at Edinburgh are still able to read and understand.

(20)
Rose,
October 16, 2011 11:07 AM

Never a truer word said.

Pity about the internet - easy access but not always access to TRUE facts. Why don't the students take a gap year in Israel if they really want to know the truth

(19)
Gitta,
October 16, 2011 10:59 AM

But how can you ensure that your students read this article? Someone who is biased just doesn't want to know about the other side of the picture.

(18)
Barry Levy,
October 16, 2011 10:20 AM

What more can ones say: you put it so well. The challenge, these days, is not to attack Israel but to defend it and its democracy. What a shame!

(17)
Miriam,
October 14, 2011 7:22 AM

Great article!

Thank you, Dr. Denis Mac Eoin. You hammered sense into those whose thinking are "off-tangent." Long live Israel!

(16)
Wassim,
October 13, 2011 8:18 AM

The misguided are a plenty

Peaceful protesting in the Middle East is how the authorities find out who to whisk away in the middle of the night. Stop being dumb. Begin the assassinations. I want a report on my desk by the end of the week. God speed.

(15)
Rodney Wilkinson,
October 13, 2011 1:00 AM

Dr Denis Maceion, God Bless You

How refreshing in these troublesome times to hear a balanced thinker and a just explanation. Israel, your God has not forgotten you. You will arise to be the people whom through, God will Bless every nation, your day is very near, you will witness your God destroy your enemies, you will experience men from other nations grabbing hold of you and saying, "We know God is with you, let us go up to Jerusalem and worship Him where He has placed His Name. This generation will see these things. God Bless Israel. Amen & Amen.

(14)
Elisabeth,
October 12, 2011 8:53 PM

Denis MacEoin

to read absolutely

(13)
Adam,
October 12, 2011 8:31 PM

Sad comment

It is truely sad when a professor notes the inability or unwillingness of his students to use their brains and supposed 'analytic skills'. The generation of spoon-fed media (brainwashing?) needs to search out the facts. I am sure the professor is shaking his head in disgust as the goal of 'university thinking' is far from being met. I agree that this letter should be circulated far and wide, however, the anti-semitic press will somehow spike its publication.

(12)
Herbert,
October 12, 2011 5:28 PM

Is is clear tht the opinions of the vote was without any seriuos research but based on the bios that exist because of a generalized antisemitic tendency without real analisis of the subject. Shame on you. I commend Mr. Denis MacEoin for his impartial opinio expressed.

(11)
A. Hufton,
October 12, 2011 4:15 PM

Well done Dr. MacEoin. It is so refreshing to read some sense based on real evidence. It is time that Truth should be shouted out from the rooftops to counteract all the lies that float around about the State of Israel. People/students should only have opinions if based on solid researched evidence and yes the world will be a sad one when people (especially educated ones)just follow whatever is shouted loudest whether true or not!!!

(10)
Barbara feigin,
October 12, 2011 2:02 PM

Very well and simply presented no grandstanding

My grandson, has a Christian dad and goes to a predominantly gentile college, needs to read this. Simple and informative. He considers himself Jewish, but knows very little about the religion.

Chana,
October 31, 2011 6:25 AM

Your grandson IS Jewish..

Barbara dear - your grandson does not only 'consider' himself Jewish - if his mother is Jewish, then by Jewish law he IS 100% Jewish. According to Jewish law it is the mother's Judaism that determines her children's, and there's no 50% or "partly" Jewish.
And yes, it is important that he read this - and his friends - we need this circulating in all college campuses...

(9)
Anonymous,
October 11, 2011 3:28 PM

It is a sad day when we have to be grateful for the truth. How to spread this message to a non-captive audience? I wish I could print this article on page 1 of the New York Times, and other publications of this "ilk"

Sabra,
October 12, 2011 8:29 PM

I agree Anonymous!

The article is eloquently and passionately put and I embrace the writer even more so because he is not a Jew. His qualifications lend credibility to what is constantly denied by all the misinformed, brainwashed pro-Palestinian Jew-haters in the world. If only there was a way to get it out there to the people! .. It saddens and sickens me to see so much ignorance everywhere .. even intelligent people I work with in an enlightened country like Australia, have no idea of creeping Sharia, no idea of jihad, it shocks me to realise that they believe Islam is a religion the same as Christianity and don't realise it is a political idealogy that is intent on the destruction of the world as we know it. Violence against women in moslem countries is on the rise - in Pakistan it's estimated that 90% of the women have been violated in some way or another - not to mention what's going on not only in the middle east but most of Africa. This appears to be a secondary impact of 9/11 - Islam gone wild and Islamic men gone wilder. It's time the western world woke up to the truth - leave Israel to her business and get on with cleaning up the rest of the world. The nonsense has gone on for far too long!

(8)
czar,
October 11, 2011 6:09 AM

Haters with their hearts will never want to see the truth, but may this letter gives light to those who were misguided!

(7)
marc,
October 10, 2011 12:27 AM

As sargeant Friday said week after week on the TV show Dragnet, "Just the facts, please, just the facts.

Yes, just the facts mam'. Israel is one of the few places where protest is protected. I've been there too, and believe there's n o way the Israeli Palestinians, although they have local complaints, would ever join a Palestinian state. There of course are many reasons, some of which you mentioned.

(6)
Leonard,
October 9, 2011 11:12 PM

Thank you for being you...

(5)
Anonymous,
October 9, 2011 10:44 PM

i agree

Being from the UK I have experienced the anti-israel trend first-hand. Nice to see a voice of reason amongst a growing number of misinformed young people.

(4)
TMay,
October 9, 2011 8:30 PM

Thank you.

Did they listen?

(3)
JosephBaruhovic,
October 9, 2011 5:08 PM

Thanks to Denis Mac Eoin

Thanks to Denis Mac Eoin letter. Contra measures .to reinforce "Hasbara" and to show who are a big liars.

(2)
Rena,
October 9, 2011 10:50 AM

Thank you

Thank you for speaking up. I'm not sure I would qualify this as pro Israel but as pro facts/reality.

(1)
yocheved,
October 9, 2011 10:11 AM

kol hakavod.
its rare to find a non jew who is so articulate in his pro israel views

S. Khalid Husain,
October 16, 2011 6:07 PM

Offensive and inaapropraite to whom?

Offensive and inappropriate to whom? Justice and fair play is 'offensive' and 'inapropriate' to the wrong doer. I am not surprised at your not daring to print my comments, they will be most demoralizing to the Jews who are history's worst wrongdoers by what they have perpetrated on the Palestinians. Whatever worldly sympathy the Jews gained through Nazis treatment of them is no more.The Jews actions towards the Palestinians have shown them to be the post war Nazis, if not worse.
My comments are widely circulated and read through other media.

jacob d.,
October 19, 2011 5:39 PM

typical

your comments are not surprising in the least. you are like the little kid in the playground who when presented with facts has no defense left but to start namecalling. no facts to argue back with, what a sad and pathetic attempt to make a legitimate comment.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...